LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim September 2012, as Direct Support Professionals Recognition
Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Gover-
nor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 2012, as Direct Support
Professionals Recognition Month in the State of New York, in conjunction
with the observance of National Direct Support Professionals Recognition
Month; and
WHEREAS, Direct support professionals are the long-term support and
services of primary providers of long-term support and services of
people with developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, In 2012, the majority of direct support professionals are
employed in home and community-based settings and this trend is project-
ed to increase over the decade; and
WHEREAS, Direct Support Professionals' first allegiance is to the
person they support; they must build a close, trusted relationship with
an individual with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, A direct support professional assists an individual with
disabilities with the most intimate needs on a daily basis, including:
preparation of meals; helping with medications; bathing; dressing;
mobility; getting to school, work, religious, and recreational activ-
ities; and general daily affairs; and
WHEREAS, Direct support professionals are responsible for supporting
the emotional, physical and personal well-being of the individuals
receiving support, helping to keep an individual with disabilities
connected to the family and community of the individual; and
WHEREAS, Direct support professionals enable individuals with disabil-
ities to live self-directed, meaningful and productive lives; they are
the key to allowing an individual with disabilities to live successfully
in the community of the individual, and to avoid more costly institu-
tional care; and
WHEREAS, Direct support professionals respect the human dignity and
uniqueness of the people they support; they advocate with the people
they support, promoting their human rights, their civil rights and
responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body appreciates the contribution of direct
support professionals in supporting the needs that reach beyond the
capacities of the families in the State of New York, and further recog-
nizes them as integral in supporting the long-term support and services
system of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body finds the successful implementation of
the public policies of the State of New York depends on the dedication
of direct support professionals; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 2012, as
Direct Support Professionals Recognition Month in the State of New York,
in recognition of their dedication and the vital roles they play in
enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities of all ages; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.